Jan 16, 2011

The Emperor

Upon hearing the passing of Peter Post, I was eager to do some research and I believe there were two sides to the man they called the Emperor.

For one, he was a monster for Six day racing. Thus the nickname, "The Emperor of the Six Days". He was the first dutchman to win Paris-Roubaix and in 1964 battled the cobbles setting the record for the fastest in a classic over 200 km (45.131 km/hr).

When he retire in 1972 he transitioned easily as successful director sportif for Ti-Raleigh. Known to rule with an iron fist of discipline he kept his riders in line. He was also an astute businessman able to secure Panasonic in 1984. With a bigger budget, strong leadership and organization followed... at a price.

"One of his principles was never to be satisfied, even when he won," said Theo de Rooy, who rode for Post for 8 years. Alan Peiper said, "Post ruled Panasonic with an iron rod. He had a very powerful character and most of us were frightened of him."